These movies are and were part of my weekend binge and therefore very close to my heart. The purpose of these reviews are not to criticize any aspect of this movie. I just want to put it out there. This is the kind of cinema I like.

Disclaimer 

 I am reviewing it based on my memories of 2014 when me and my sister watched it every Saturday for lunch.

Cast & Characters

• R. Madhavan as Manoj “Manu” Sharma: The sensible, calm, and slightly introverted NRI doctor who falls for Tanu.

• Kangana Ranaut as Tanuja “Tanu” Trivedi: The free-spirited, rebellious, and unpredictable girl whom Manu falls in love with.
• Jimmy Sheirgill as Raja Awasthi: Tanu’s ex-boyfriend and a formidable presence in her life.
• Deepak Dobriyal as Pappi: Manu’s quirky and loyal friend who provides comic relief.
• Swara Bhaskar as Payal: Tanu’s best friend, straightforward and outspoken.
• Eijaz Khan as Jassi: Manu’s friend, who helps him throughout his romantic journey.

Credits

• Directed by: Aanand L. Rai
• Produced by: Shailesh R. Singh, Surya Singh
• Music by: Krsna Solo
• Lyrics by: Rajshekhar
• Cinematography by: Chirantan Das
• Edited by: Hemal Kothari

Plot Summary

“Tanu Weds Manu” revolves around the unconventional love story of Manu, an NRI doctor, and Tanu, a small-town girl. Manu meets Tanu during a wedding and is instantly smitten by her carefree attitude. Despite societal pressure and Tanu’s ex-boyfriend Raja’s interference, Manu pursues Tanu.

Their love story faces numerous challenges due to Tanu’s stubborn nature and societal norms. Despite falling for each other, their differences threaten to tear them apart. In a dramatic turn of events, Manu ends up getting married to another girl, and Tanu realizes her feelings for him. The story takes a twist when Manu decides to marry another girl, Kusum, who looks exactly like Tanu.

Amidst confusion, heartbreak, and emotional turmoil, Manu and Tanu’s paths cross again, leading to a complex love triangle. The film explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the complexities of relationships.

Trivia

• Kangana Ranaut won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role as Tanu.
• The film’s success led to a sequel, “Tanu Weds Manu Returns,” which also received acclaim.
• Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of the outspoken and rebellious Tanu earned her accolades for her performance.
• The film’s music, especially the song “Sadi Gali,” became widely popular.
• “Tanu Weds Manu” is known for its realistic depiction of small-town culture and quirky characters.

Review

Get ready for a dose of Bollywood fun with “Tanu Weds Manu”! This movie is my ultimate go-to when I’m in need of a mood-lifter. Why, you ask? Well, let me break it down for you.

First off, it’s not your typical Bollywood romance. No grand declarations of love in picturesque locations. Nope, this one’s all about the messiness of relationships, and it’s hilariously relatable. The story revolves around Tanu and Manu, two people with personalities as different as chalk and cheese. Kangana Ranaut as Tanu is a firecracker, and R. Madhavan as Manu is the embodiment of sweet simplicity.

But what makes “Tanu Weds Manu” stand out is its authenticity. It doesn’t sugarcoat the complications of love and marriage. Tanu and Manu’s rollercoaster romance is filled with misunderstandings, arguments, and a healthy dose of reality checks. And honestly, who hasn’t faced those in their own relationships?

The film’s heart lies in its supporting characters – Pappi, Payal, Jassi, and Raja – who add layers of humor and depth. Pappi’s antics and Jassi’s no-nonsense attitude are a riot, while Payal’s practical outlook on love provides a fresh perspective.

What makes this movie so dear to my heart is that it doesn’t pretend that love is always perfect. It acknowledges that love can be messy, confusing, and downright frustrating. But it also shows that amidst all the chaos, there are moments of genuine connection that make it all worthwhile.

And let’s not forget the epic showdown between Tanu and Manu at the mental asylum! That scene is a masterclass in witty dialogue delivery. It’s the kind of scene that makes you laugh out loud and shake your head in disbelief simultaneously.

So, when life gets a bit overwhelming, and I’m in need of some laughter therapy, “Tanu Weds Manu” is my cinematic medicine. It’s a reminder that love may not always be a fairy tale, but it’s the imperfections that make it beautifully real. It’s the kind of movie that makes you feel like you’re watching your own friends navigate the complexities of love, and that’s why it’s an absolute favorite.

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